Four of world football’s most lethal strikers announced their arrival at the World Cup in devastating fashion last week, prompting former Premier League defender Ashley Williams to share a detailed tactical blueprint on how to halt their progress.
Star strikers seize the spotlight
The goal rush began when Kylian Mbappé struck twice in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal, surpassing Olivier Giroud to become Les Bleus’ all-time leading scorer with 58 goals. Erling Haaland then marked his long-awaited World Cup debut with a goal in Norway’s 4-1 triumph over Iraq at the age of 25.
Lionel Messi, who turns 39 on Wednesday, demonstrated his enduring class with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win against Algeria. The Inter Miami forward drew level with Germany’s Miroslav Klose on 16 World Cup goals, taking his international tally to 120. Harry Kane also opened his account with a brace in England’s 4-2 success against Croatia.
Containing Messi: A collective challenge
Williams, who earned his reputation as a no-nonsense centre-back for Everton and Wales, insists stopping Messi demands a team-wide effort and a dose of fortune. “It’s more of a team effort,” he explained, stressing that defenders must vary their approach between pressing tight and dropping off to allow midfield support.
The former Swansea City captain noted that attempting to force Messi onto his weaker foot offers limited protection. “He seems to take control in possession, no matter where you try to push him out to,” Williams said. “He’s got the low centre of gravity, great balance, his touch is exceptional, so he can manipulate the ball and get you into a place you don’t want.” Williams suggested defenders must effectively “pick your poison” regarding which opponent to allow shooting opportunities.
Mbappe’s pace versus Haaland’s movement
Williams possesses first-hand experience of Mbappé’s threat, having faced the Frenchman during a 2-0 defeat for Wales in Paris in November 2017. The former defender recalls the Paris St-Germain star as “very difficult to play against” and highlighted the contrast between the Frenchman’s direct running and Messi’s slower manipulation.
“When Mbappe dribbles, it’s normally with more pace,” Williams observed. “When you’re playing against a striker that is normally 100 miles an hour, you stay in that rhythm as well. Whereas Messi will slow you down and then speed you up.” Williams warned that France’s attacking depth complicates matters further, with Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé requiring constant attention to prevent them from exploiting space created by Mbappé’s runs.
Williams identified Haaland as a fundamentally different proposition who “beats you without the ball.” The Norwegian’s ability to exploit space behind defensive lines makes him particularly dangerous. “You’ve got to stop the balls in behind first and foremost,” Williams advised. “Stop the supply going into him.” He emphasised that defenders must carefully manage the distance between their defensive and midfield lines to prevent Haaland receiving service in dangerous areas.
With all four strikers in prolific form, Williams’ analysis underlines that stopping any of them requires not just individual excellence, but disciplined collective organisation and, as he admits, a fair share of luck.